Make the broth
Put all ingredients except for the soy sauce and brown sugar in a large saucepan. Pour in 8 cups of water and add a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Cool slightly, then strain out and discard the solids. Stir in the Bragg’s or soy sauce and brown sugar. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Keep warm over low heat.

Make the tofu
Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Mix together the marinade in a medium baking dish. Stir in the tofu, coating well with the marinade. Allow to sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally to make sure the tofu is coated with the marinade. Place in the oven, uncovered, and allow to bake until all the marinade is absorbed and the tofu is getting a slight crisp to it, about 35 minutes. Toss the tofu once or twice in the baking process so that all the pieces come into contact with the pan. Remove tofu from the oven and allow to cool.

Make the soup
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the somen noodles and give a good stir. Cook the noodles until they are almost done, with just a slight bite, and drain. Rinse well with cold water, drain, and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add just enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the red onion and sauté until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeño pepper, and ginger and cook for another two minutes, stirring constantly. Add the veggies and continue to cook, stirring often, until the green vegetables are crisp tender, about 5 minutes.

Place some noodles in the bottom of a deep soup bowl. Ladle on the broth. Add tofu and vegetables.

Enjoy… you may garnish with herbs, scallions and slice of jalapeño pepper.